5 Free (or Cheap) Ways to Market Your Business

Let's talk about your small business for a second; you have a great product or service and a social media account set up, but how do you find the people willing to spend money on it?

Advertising and marketing are going to be your best friends!

While there are lots of options that cost money, it’s hard to know where to start and how to do it without wasting any of your hard-earned money figuring out what marketing strategies work for you. Here are five simple ways to start marketing today without spending a dime, or very few of them at least!

Woman smiling in her office and looking out the window while holding her phone.#mangumdesignco #businesstips #smallbusiness #helena #montana #graphicdesignservices #logoandbranddesign #marketingtips #freemarketing

Woman leaning over the desk talking to two men while they work on growing their small business. #mangumdesignco #businesstips #smallbusiness #helena #montana #graphicdesignservices #logoandbranddesign #marketingtips #freemarketing

Woman shaking someone’s hand while she runs her successful small business. #mangumdesignco #businesstips #smallbusiness #helena #montana #graphicdesignservices #logoandbranddesign #marketingtips #freemarketing

Try these five free or cheap marketing methods the next time you need to market your small business. #mangumdesignco #businesstips #smallbusiness #helena #montana #graphicdesignservices #logoandbranddesign #marketingtips #freemarketing

1) Social Media

Between Instagram posts, Reels, TikTok, Pinterest, and Facebook, there are lots of ways to get your business in front of current friends and followers. By creating content that educates, entertains, and informs, you show what you have to offer and help them see how you’re the solution to their problems! Think about where your ideal client spends their time online, and focus your social media efforts there.

If you’re struggling to identify your ideal client and want to know how that can help you direct your social media strategies, check out the Brand Discovery Call that lets us walk you through that

2) Email Lists

Sending emails is one of the easiest things you can do for free. Gather emails of past clients and potential clients who have expressed interest and start sharing and teaching in their inboxes. To get new faces on your email list, offer a freebie that followers can get when they subscribe!

While it can cost money for an email list service, it is an easy way to organize your email list and quickly send beautiful emails and it's free to email them anytime. I love using Flodesk for beautiful emails and even more customizability! Check them out and save 50% off your first year.

3) Free Networking Groups

Check your local area and ask other businesses what networking opportunities are around. There are lots of local networking groups available for business owners to meet, connect, and share just by getting to know each other! Ask other business owners if they know of any opportunities, or check Facebook for groups that may know of some in your area.

4) Affiliate Marketing

Do you have friends and clients who already love your business? Invite them to promote and share with their friends and followers and offer a small commission. There is a small investment on your part when their shares create business for you, but upfront your cost is $0 and their promoting brings in more business for you!

We do this too here at Mangum Design Co. - check out the Brand Rep Program details if you're interested in sharing the love for Mangum Design Co.

5) Vehicle Decals

A logo on your window or even a vehicle wrap if you’re really ambitious aren’t free to create, but after the initial cost you are advertising any time you go to the grocery store or out to dinner! Just make sure your branding is legible and contact info is clear, then you’re well on your way to becoming a mobile billboard.

What do you think? Do any of these ideas sound like winners for your business? Let me know in the comments what ways you love to market, and check out our business blog for more business tips!